Who Do You Want to Be?

The real question they’re intending to ask is, “What do you want to do when you grow up?” But when we use the word “be” we tie personal value to a job. Jobs come and go. They change over time for most of us. And though we gain new skills with each change, who we are stays the same. I am still Courtney whether I am teaching my kids addition, grocery shopping, writing a blog post or playing my guitar. My jobs include: mom, teacher, homemaker, writer and musician. But my being remains the same.

I’ve heard the quip many times, as I’m sure you have, “We are human beings, not human doings!” I love it! It is so true at its core. But, do we live like this? Do we raise our children like this? Or, are we so focused on the doing that we fool ourselves into thinking that we are actually being?

Is it as simple to define “being” as it is “doing”? My son wants to do the work of a firefighter…My daughter, a ballerina. But who will they BE?

My prayer over them is that they be leaders worthy of following, reflecting the identity of Jesus in their lives. I pray over them, just as Paul encouraged Timothy, that they would set examples to others “in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” (1 Tim. 4:12) It doesn’t matter what job you have…what you do! You can be this kind of example regardless of a career choice or benefits package or salary size.

This is one primary reason why, as we homeschool our kiddos, we focus more on character building than stressing on academics. The academics are so important and have their time and place, without doubt! But, they are futile if we neglect to train up the beings of our children! I would much rather raise a kind, loving, generous, humble child, than a selfish, arrogant, prideful child who may do a bit better on academic fact-regurgitation. I fail them if I only fill their minds with information and neglect to nurture their souls with God.

Who do you want your children to be? Who do YOU want to be?